15 Subtle Hair-Color Changes That'll Make a Big Impact

No major style revamp needed to completely change your look, just a slight color boost. These new highlighting techniques will kick up your game—big time.

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Jennifer Hudson

"Jennifer's colorist nailed it," says ColorProof Evolved Color Care's Jim Markham of the star's warm, face-framing caramel pieces. "The highlights de-emphasize her strong jawline and draw attention up to her best feature: her eyes. There's enough of her real color showing through to keep it natural-looking, and the subtle transition of color complements her skin to create a radiant glow."

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Debra Messing

Red tends to fade faster than any other color, so once you've settled on a shade you love, you'll want to lock it in. Stick to sulfate-free shampoos especially formulated for color-treated hair, such as Natu Professional Colorist Shampoo ($18). "Every product, from blow-dry cream to hairspray, should include color protection to minimize fading," adds Markham, who recommends using a clarifying shampoo like ColorProof's ClearItUp ($29.96) once a week.

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Penélope Cruz

To get this rich brunette, ask for a coffee shade for your base, with caramel highlights running from the mid-shaft to the ends, advises Markham. "Olive skin can pick up green-ish undertones, meaning you run the risk of looking sallow," he warns. "To balance this, select base browns that have toasty hues like chestnuts or auburn, and add highlights and lowlights as needed. The depth of the warmer shades contrasts nicely with olive skin."

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Amy Adams

Anival Morales, a colorist for Joseph Martin in Beverly Hills, CA, considers the shade he created for Amy a honey-chestnut—it's more brown and golden than the reds she's sported in the past. "To get the best red, use your eyes as a guide," says Morales. If yours are warm (brown or hazel), choose a warmer shade. If they're blue or green, pick a red with a cooler tone.

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Allison Williams

Good-bye, extreme ombré and obvious highlights. More of-the-moment is a natural palette of highlights and lowlights, like Allison's glowing brown.

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Claire Danes

A honey-blonde shade like the actress's isn't easy to get, so once you've nailed it, make sure to wait two days to shampoo, then use products specially formulated for dyed hair.

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Clare Bowen

"Cool blondes look great on those with soft and dewy or lighter complexions with blue eyes," says celebrity hairstylist Mark Hill. "Go for slightly darker cool ash tones interspersed with icy blonde ones to give the overall appearance of being light and bright." And preserve the color with a treatment to neutralize any yellow or orange hues, such as John Frieda's Colour Correct Anti-Brassy Cleansing Treatment.

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Katy Perry

Just north of natural, blue-black hair is having a moment. "Katy Perry actually has quite a light skin tone, but the look works because she keeps her hair color cool," says Hill of the singer's high-shine look. "You must have darker hair to start with when dying your hair blue-black and be ready for your hairstylist to apply a block color." You'll also need touch-ups about every six weeks.

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Brit Marling

Want this classic blonde? Ask for a cool champagne or beige base and highlights, says Morales, who works on Brit's hair as well as on blondes like Hayden Panettiere and Mamie Gummer. Once you've got the color of your dreams, he recommends products from L'Oréal Professionel's Vitamino Color line (available at salons) to keep it looking great.

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Mindy Kaling

"People are drawn to darker hair right now because of its high shine," says Hill. Mindy's solid black gleams when blow-dried straight.

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Sarah Jessica Parker

A spoonful of honey highlights adds dimension to brown hair—and shows off healthy curls. For best results, Morales recommends going to a colorist who uses the balayage (or hand-painted) technique rather than foils—the former creates a more natural, sun-kissed effect.

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Vanessa Williams

Natural redheads tend to be pale, and fairer girls can pull off the biggest variety of reds. If you have medium to dark skin like Vanessa, a red with a slight orange cast will likely look best—but consult your stylist from the start, since reds can be difficult to get right.

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Rooney Mara

Whether a deep brunette like Rooney's or a bright blonde, keeping dyed hair looking great requires protecting it from the sun. Before you jump in the ocean or pool, wet hair and apply a conditioner or mask, such as Kérastase Soleil Masque UV Défense Active ($60), which can also be used when you're catching rays. Then rinse hair immediately after swimming.

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Nicole Beharie

Taking hair just a shade or two lighter, like this copper-infused brown, can brighten up your look, though going too light may look artificial. If you'd like to do it, visit a professional, who can ensure an even application and avoid inflicting damage.

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Cristin Milioti

Cristin's one of many actresses who's gotten on board with a bold monochromatic look. "The challenge is that it can potentially look flat," says Markham. "To ensure depth, have your stylist put in very minimal lowlights half a shade darker in some of the under-lengths."

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